NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DE — Delaware State Police have charged two men in connection with a series of alleged metal thefts that investigators say caused nearly $100,000 in losses to businesses across the county.
According to Delaware State Police, 32-year-old Mark Hartnett of Wilmington and 38-year-old Thomas Drummond of Newport were arrested following a multi-month investigation by the Criminal Investigations Unit.
Troopers stated the investigation began in the fall of 2025 after officers responded to multiple reports of metal thefts at commercial properties throughout New Castle County.
Police allege the first incident occurred September 30, 2025, at approximately 2:15 a.m., when two suspects unlawfully entered a business property in the unit block of King Court in New Castle. Investigators said approximately 200 pounds of aluminum wire were allegedly stolen and property damage was reported.
According to police, similar incidents followed. In the early morning hours of November 14, 2025, suspects allegedly entered another business in the unit block of King Court and stole several hundred pounds of HVAC-related materials.
On November 27, 2025, at approximately 6 p.m., authorities allege the suspects entered a business in the 100 block of Carson Drive in Bear and forced entry into a box truck, stealing several spools of copper wire.
Police said the pair allegedly targeted a business in the 800 block of Powder Mill Road in Wilmington on December 16, 2025, cutting copper wire from a building and causing damage before fleeing.
According to investigators, the suspects returned December 29, 2025, to a business in the unit block of King Court but left without taking property after allegedly cutting through a fence.
Police allege the final incident occurred January 25, 2026, at approximately 4:40 a.m., when the suspects again targeted the 800 block of Powder Mill Road, removing several hundred feet of copper wire and causing additional damage. Authorities noted a weather-related State of Emergency with Level 2 driving restrictions was in effect at the time.
In total, investigators estimate approximately $21,500 in materials were stolen and about $78,800 in property damage was caused.
Through investigative efforts, detectives identified Hartnett and Drummond as suspects. Police allege Hartnett sold materials at scrap metal facilities that were previously reported stolen.
According to state police, Hartnett was located February 20, 2026, in Wilmington and taken into custody without incident. He was charged with multiple felony offenses, including burglary, theft over $1,500, criminal mischief, possession of burglar tools and conspiracy, as well as related misdemeanor charges. Police said he was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $52,404 secured bond before later posting bail.
Troopers said Drummond was apprehended February 23, 2026, in New Castle without incident. He faces similar felony and misdemeanor charges, including burglary, theft and conspiracy-related offenses. Police stated he was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released after posting a $9,400 secured bond.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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